Egyptian, Italian FMs urge cooperation in fighting coronavirus

CAIRO – 3 May 2020: Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry made a phone call on Sunday with his Italian counterpart, Luigi Di Maio, where they discussed ways of cooperation to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

This comes a month after Egyptian Health Minister Hala Zayed arrived in Italy to deliver medical aid allocated by the Egyptian Armed Forces to the Italian side amid the coronavirus crisis.

During the phone call, Di Maio expressed appreciation for the medical aid provided by the Egyptian state, which he said helped Italy curb the spread of the virus and highlighted the spirit of solidarity and cohesion between the peoples of the two countries.

Shoukry and Di Maio also discussed the latest developments in Libya and ways to reach a comprehensive settlement to the crisis in the Arab country, in a manner that meets the aspiration of the Libyan people, restores security and stability in Libya and eradicates the threat posed by terrorist organizations on the security of the Libyan people and the region.

The two ministers agreed on the need to continue enhancing bilateral cooperation between Egypt and Italy in all fields and stressed the importance of continuing consultation on various issues of mutual concern.

Libya's Haftar declares end of Skhirat deal, accepts mandate to rule country

BENGHAZI, April 27 (MENA) - Libyan National Army Commander Khalifa Haftar announced that the general command of the armed forces accepts a mandate from the Libyan people to govern the country.

Late in April, The Egyptian Foreign Ministry affirmed that a political solution would be the best option for settling the conflict in Libya despite the existing disagreements. The statement stressed that Egypt seeks to achieve stability in Libya while preserving its unity and territorial integrity, ministry’s spokesman Ahmed Hafez said.

Egypt, however, asserted that a political solution does not mean, and should not lead, to any concessions or complacency in facing the armed militias and terrorists that are being supported by Turkey.

In this regard, the spokesman expressed Egypt's appreciation for the relative stability achieved by the Libyan army in the country, which led to a decline in the number of terrorist operations as well as the terrorist threat emanating from Libya.

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